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Programme 2025

Here is the Quekett Microscopical Club Programme for 2025. Many meetings are held in the Natural History Museum in London, but please check the venue carefully before travelling to a meeting.  The Quekett is keen to promote links with other microscopical clubs and societies: meetings of some of the UK clubs with which we have connections are shown in the Programme, and details of their meetings will be found by following the relevant links.

Iceni Microscopy Study Group  (IMSG).  Most meetings in Bergh Apton, Norfolk
Leeds Microscopical Society  (LMS)  Most meetings in Alwoodley, Leeds, or by
Manchester Microscopical & Natural History Society  (MMS)
Kernow Microscopical Society  (KMS)  Most meetings in Truro.
Northamptonshire Natural History Society  (NNHS)
Northamptonshire Natural History Society & Northampton U3A  (NNHS)

Non-members are usually welcome at Quekett meetings, but please check with the Meetings Secretary.

Events shown indented and in italics are not arranged by the Quekett, although we will be represented at some of them. Any enquiries should be directed to the local organiser.

Here is a downloadable (.pdf) version of the Programme

January 2025

Tuesday 14^th January 2025 – 6.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. – only.
Gossip Meeting
“My Latest Microscopical Acquisition”
Watch a video of this meeting

Saturday 18^th January 2025 – 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. – Crowfield
Anglian Microscopy Group
Topic TBC
Village Hall, Stone Street, Crowfield, Suffolk, IP6 9SZ.
Contact Gordon Brown for further information.

Saturday 25^th January 2025 – 2.30 p.m. to 4.40 p.m. – only.
Committee Meeting

February 2025

Sunday 2^nd February 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon – Wimbledon
Wimbledon Common Nature Club
“Life Under a Microscope” – Quekett members will be in the Information Centre (SW19 5NR) on Wimbledon Common (near the Windmill), showing interesting slides and specimens to local children as part of the Club’s outreach programme.
Read a report of this meeting

Saturday 8^th February 2025 – 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. – London
Gossip and practical meeting
Stains and Staining
Angela Marmont Centre, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD
Read a report of this workshop

Saturday 15^th February 2025 – 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. – Crowfield
Anglian Microscopy Group
Topic TBC
Village Hall, Stone Street, Crowfield, Suffolk, IP6 9SZ.
Contact Gordon Brown for further information.

Wednesday 19^th February 2025 – All day – Ipswich
Christchurch Mansion Ipswich
A day focussing on mammals. Anglian and Quekett members will have displays as part of the Club’s outreach programme.  Contact Robert Ratford for further information.

Saturday 22^nd February 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Cobham
Home Counties Meeting (Surrey)
Talks in the morning, lunch and gossip with exhibits in the afternoon
St Andrew’s Church Hall, Downside Bridge Road, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 3EJ.
Contact Joan Bingley for further information.

Sunday 23^rd February 2025 – 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. – Cambridge
Milton Microscopy Group MIMIQ
We are going on a (water) bear hunt in mosses and lichens. You can either bring your own moss or lichen  sample or take a quick walk into the Milton Country Park to collect some.
Milton Community Centre Lounge at Coles Road, Milton, Cambridge, CB24 6BL

Other Clubs & Societies

• • • • Saturday 1^st February – Iceni Microscopy Study Group
      • Sunday 2^nd February – Wimbledon Common Nature Club
      • Monday 3^rd February – Leeds Microscopical Society
      • Tuesday 4^th February – Northamptonshire Natural History Society
      • Friday 7^th February – Northamptonshire Natural History Society & U3a
      • Saturday 15^th February – Kernow Microscopical Society
      • Saturday 22^nd February – Manchester Microscopical & Natural History Society

 

March 2025

Tuesday 4^th March 2025 – 6.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. – only.
Gossip Meeting “Your go-to equipment”
Your chance to tell us your choice of ‘go-to’ equipment, and why you’ve chosen it (or why you’d like it!).
Watch a video of this meeting (members only)

Saturday 8^th March 2025 – 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. – Sonning Common
Quekett Spring Sale and AGM
Sales event followed by the Quekett AGM. Pre-book your sales table.
Sonning Common Village Hall, Wood Lane, Sonning Common, Oxfordshire, RG4 9SL.
Members who cannot attend in person will be able to join the AGM via , starting at 2:30 p.m.
Read a report of this sales event

Saturday 15^th March 2025 – 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. – Crowfield
Anglian Microscopy Group
Phase Contrast
Village Hall, Stone Street, Crowfield, Suffolk, IP6 9SZ.
Contact Gordon Brown for further information.

Saturday 29^th March 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – London
Committee Strategy Meeting
Angela Marmont Centre, Natural History Museum, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD.

Other Clubs & Societies

• • • • Saturday 1^st March – IMSG
      • Monday 3^rd March – LMS
      • Tuesday 4^th March – NNHS
      • Friday 7^th March – NNHS & U3a
      • Saturday 15^th March – KMS
      • Monday 17^th March– LMS
      • Tuesday 18^th March– NNHS
      • Saturday 22^nd March – MMS

 

April 2025

Friday 11^th to Sunday 13^th April 2025 – 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. – World-wide
World Microscope Day Celebrations
Details to be confirmed
More information from Robert Ratford

Saturday 12^th April 2025 – 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Penkridge
Midlands Open Meeting
Gossip with demonstrations, sales and photo competition, followed by lectures.
Haling Dene Centre, Penkridge, ST19 5DT. Contact Steve Gill for more information.

Saturday 12^th April 2025 – 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m – Liverpool
Manchester Microscopical Society Outreach Meeting for World Microscope Day
Liverpool World Museum
Details at MMS website

Saturday 19^th April 2025 – THIS MEETING WAS POSTPONED
Workshop
Water Fleas: workshop led by Robert Ratford
Angela Marmont Centre, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 5BD.

Saturday 19^th April 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Lockington
Gossip Meeting & Excursion
Emphasis on freshwater biology
Lockington & Hemington Village Hall, Leicestershire
Details from Terry Hope

Saturday 26^th April 2025 – Crowfield
East of England Meeting
Gossip with demonstrations, exhibits and sales, followed by talks in the afternoon.
Village Hall, Stone Street, Crowfield, Suffolk, IP6 9SZ.
Contact Gordon Brown for further information.

Sunday 27^th April 2025 – 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. – Cambridge
Milton Microscopy Group
Photo Challenge
The meeting of MIMIQ, the Milton Microscopy Group of the Quekett will be a challenge to make and share great images. Any subject, any microscopy, any magnification. Assistance will provided. Bring any existing artwork to share!
Please let Chris Thomas know if you are coming so the required number of tables can be set out.
Milton Community Centre Lounge at Coles Road, Milton, Cambridge, CB24 6BL.

Other Clubs & Societies

• • • • Tuesday 1^st April– NNHS
      • Friday 4^th April – NNHS/U3a
      • Saturday 5^th April – IMSG
      • Monday 7^th April  – LMS
      • Sunday 13^th April – MMS
      • Tuesday 15^th April – NNHS
      • Saturday 19^th April– KMS
      • Monday 21st April– LMS

 

May 2025

Saturday 10^th May 2025 – 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Husbands Bosworth
Postal Microscopical Society AGM
Annual General Meeting, talks, sales and gossip
Turville Memorial Hall, Welford Road, Husbands Bosworth, Lutterworth, LE17 6JX.
For more information Mike Samworth. Offers for the afternoon talks would be welcome.

Tuesday 13^th May 2025 – 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. – London
Gossip Meeting
Stained sections
Angela Marmont Centre, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 5BD.

…followed by…

Tuesday 13^th May 2025 – 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. – London
Presidential Address
Terry Hope’s Second Presidential Address
Neil Chalmers Seminar Room, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 5BD. The address will be streamed by
Watch a video of this meeting (members only)

Saturday 17^th May 2025 – 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. – Crowfield
Anglian Microscopy Group
Moss safari
Village Hall, Stone Street, Crowfield, Suffolk, IP6 9SZ.
Contact Gordon Brown for further information.

Saturday May 17^th 2025 – 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Stockport
Manchester Microscopical Society Outreach Meeting
Etherow Country Park, Stockport SK6 5JD
Details on MMS website

Saturday 24^th May 2025 – 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Happisburgh
Fossil Hunt Excursion
Look for fossils in the blue clays at the cliff base
Went Evans Centre, Blacksmiths Lane, Happisburgh, Norfolk, NR12 0QY and local beaches.
Details from Robert Ratford.

Saturday 31^st May 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Bournemouth
Bournemouth Natural Science Society & Museum
Gossip, with demonstrations and access to the museum
BNSSM, 39 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, BH1 3NS.
More details from Grenham Ireland.

Saturday 31^st May 2025 – 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. – Chinbrook Meadows
London Rivers Week
Quekett members will be in the new wetlands area of Chinbrook Meadows in south-east London, using their microscopes to show specimens from pond dipping, as part of our outreach programme. Family-friendly event organised by the Friends of Chinbrook Meadows, with talks about the wetlands project and activities for children. Short walk from Grove Park Station.

Other Clubs & Societies

• • • • Friday 2^nd May – NNHS
      • Saturday 3^rd May – IMSG
      • Monday 5^th May – LMS
      • Tuesday 6^th May – NNHS
      • Saturday 17^th May – KMS
      • Monday 19^th May– LMS
      • Tuesday 20^th May– NNHS

 

June 2025

Saturday 7^th June 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – East Hagbourne
Gossip Meeting
Geology and petrology
Displays of equipment, specimens and techniques; discuss preparing rock and sand samples, and using polarised light to identify minerals.
Sports Pavilion, Great Mead, East Hagbourne, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 9BN.
Contact Pam Hamer for further information.

Saturday 21^st June 2025 – 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Keston
Excursion
Pond dipping and practical microscopy. Bring a packed lunch. Contact Lisa Ashby for more details.
Keston Ponds & Keston Village Hall, 132 Heathfield Road, Bromley, Kent, BR2 6BF

Saturday 21^st June 2025 – 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. – Crowfield
Anglian Microscopy Group
Fun with Feathers
Village Hall, Stone Street, Crowfield, Suffolk, IP6 9SZ.
Contact Gordon Brown for further information.

Sunday 22^nd June 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. – Huntingdon
Milton Microscopy Group
Topic TBC
Milton Community Centre Lounge at Coles Road, Milton, Cambridge, CB24 6BL.

Saturday 28^th June 2025 – 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Walton-on-the-Naze
Home Counties Meeting (Essex)
Naze Nature Discovery Centre, Old Hall Lane, Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex, CO14 8LE.
The Centre will be available from 9:00 a.m. Low tide is at 8:03 BST
There is a cafe and toilets as well as a gift shop. The car park currently accepts credit card payments, but please check prior to travelling.
Excursion to collect fossils followed by practical microscopy and talks.  Quekett hopes to have a stand as part of its outreach programme.  For more details, contact Robert Ratford.

Sunday 29^th June 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Huntingdon
Wild About Huntingdonshire Festival

Other Clubs & Societies

• • • • Monday 2^nd June – LMS
      • Tuesday 3^rd June – NNHS
      • Friday 6^th June – NNHS & U3a
      • Saturday 7^th June – IMSG
      • Saturday 7^th June – LMS
      • Monday 16^th June– LMS
      • Tuesday 17^th June– NNHS
      • Saturday 21^st June – KMS

 

July 2025

Tuesday 1^st to Thursday 3^rd July 2025 – 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Manchester
Royal Microscopical Society – Microscience Microscopy Congress
Manchester Central Conference Centre. See https://www.mmc-series.org.uk/ for further information

Sunday 6^th July 2025 – 10.00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Northampton
Northamptonshire Natural History Society Annual Exhibition
Exhibition of microscopy. Includes sales, exhibits and talks. Sales and exhibits in the morning, with lectures in the afternoon. Contact John Smith, Secretary, for more information.
The Humfrey Rooms, 10 Castilian Terrace, Northampton, NN1 1LD.

Tuesday 8^th July 2025 – 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. – London
Committee Meeting
Angela Marmont Centre, Natural History Museum, South Kensington, London, SW7 5BD.

…followed by…

Tuesday 8^th July 2025 – 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. – London
The L. V. Martin Lecture
Neil Chalmers Seminar Room, Natural History Museum, South Kensington, London, SW7 5BD.

Tuesday 22^nd July 2025 – 6.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. – only.
Gossip Meeting – led by Terry Hope
“Algae”

Saturday 26^th July 2025 – 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. – Crowfield
Anglian Microscopy Group
Bee sperm
Village Hall, Stone Street, Crowfield, Suffolk, IP6 9SZ.
Contact Gordon Brown for further information.

Other Clubs & Societies

• • • • Tuesday 1^st July – NNHS
      • Friday 4^th July – NNHS&U3a
      • Saturday 5^th July – IMSG
      • Monday 7^th July – LMS
      • Tuesday 15^th July – NNHS
      • Saturday 19^th July – KMS
      • Monday 21^st July – LMS

 

August 2025

Saturday 2^nd August 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Letchworth
Microscopium – The Microscopists’ Fair
The Quekett sales event. Book a table
Letchworth Settlement, 229 Nevells Road, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire, SG6 4UB

Saturday 9^th August 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Horsham
Excursion to Warnham Local Nature Reserve
Collect and study samples at this varied nature reserve. Free parking. For details contact Graham Matthews.
Warnham Road, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 2RA.

Saturday 16^th August 2025 – 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. – Crowfield
Anglian Microscopy Group
Hay infusions: pond visit
Village Hall, Stone Street, Crowfield, Suffolk, IP6 9SZ.
Contact Gordon Brown for further information.

Saturday 16^th and Sunday 17^thAugust 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Downe
Down House Microscopy Weekend
The Quekett will be participating as part of our outreach programme.
Down House, Luxted Road, Downe, Kent, BR6 7JT.

Other Clubs & Societies

• • • • Friday 1^st August – NNHS
      • Saturday 2nd August – IMSG
      • Monday 4^th August – LMS
      • Tuesday 5^th August – NNHS
      • Saturday 16^th August – KMS
      • Monday 18^th August – LMS
      • Tuesday 19^th August – NNHS

 

September 2025

Saturday 13^th September 2025 – 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. – .
Committee Meeting

Sunday 14^th September 2025 – 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Wimbledon
Wimbledon Common Open Day
The Quekett hopes to have a stand in the Information Centre (SW19 5NR) on Wimbledon Common as part of our outreach programme, but we need volunteers for our stand. A donation car park and the Windmill Tearooms are near the Centre. Short walk from the 93 bus route (alight at Parkside Hospital). The free Open Day features craft and charity stalls, birds of prey, reptiles, farm animals, farm machinery and arena events.

Tuesday 16^th September 2025 – 6.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. – only.
Gossip Meeting
“Petrology”

Saturday 20^th September 2025 – 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. – Crowfield
Anglian Microscopy Group
Plant trichomes
Village Hall, Stone Street, Crowfield, Suffolk, IP6 9SZ.
Contact Gordon Brown for further information.

Saturday 27^th September 2025 – 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Sunbury-on-Thames
Amateur Entomologists’ Society – Annual Exhibition & Trade Fair
Kempton Park Racecourse, Staines Road East, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex, TW16 5AQ.
The Quekett hopes to have a stand at this Exhibition as part of our outreach programme, but we need volunteers for our stand. Admission to the Exhibition is £6 for adults, £3 for under-18s.

Other Clubs & Societies

• • • • Monday 1st September – LMS
      • Tuesday 2nd September – NNHS
      • Friday 5^th September – NNHS/U3a
      • Saturday 6^th September – IMSG
      • Monday 15^th September – LMS
      • Tuesday 16^th September – NNHS
      • Saturday 20^th September – KMS

 

October 2025

Wednesday 8^th October 2025 – 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. only.
Pre-Quekex25 Lecture
“Topic TBC”

Saturday 11^th October 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Potters Bar
Quekex25 – The Annual Exhibition of Microscopy
Lectures, demonstrations, displays and members’ exhibits.
Elm Court Community Centre, Mutton Lane, Potters Bar, EN6 3BP.
Contact Lisa Ashby for more information.

Saturday 11^th October 2025 – All day – Pool-in-Wharfedale
Postal Microscopical Society
Pool-in-Wharfedale Memorial Hall, LS21 1LG.

Saturday 18^th to Monday 20^th October 2025 – All day – London
New Scientist Live
Quekett will have a stand as part of its outreach programme. Volunteers are welcome, please contact Robert Ratford.
ExCeL, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London, E16 1XL.

Thursday 23^rd to Saturday 25^th October 2025 – all day – Esher
National Honey Show
The Quekett will have a stand in the Trade Hall as part of our outreach programme.
Sandown Park Racecourse, Portsmouth Road, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9AJ.

Saturday 25^th October 2025 – 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. – Crowfield
Anglian Microscopy Group
Fungi
Village Hall, Stone Street, Crowfield, Suffolk, IP6 9SZ.
Contact Gordon Brown for further information.

Sunday 26^th October 2025 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. – Cambridge
Milton Microscopy Group
Topic TBC
Milton Community Centre Lounge at Coles Road, Milton, Cambridge, CB24 6BL.

Other Clubs & Societies

• • • • Friday 3^rd October – NNHS/U3a
      • Saturday 4^th October – IMSG
      • Monday 6^th October – LMS
      • Tuesday 7^th October – NNHS
      • Saturday 18^th October – KMS
      • Monday 20^th October – LMS
      • Tuesday 21^st October – NNHS

 

November 2025

Saturday 1^st November 2025 – 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – London
British Entomological and Natural History Society – Annual Exhibition
Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London, WC1R 4RL.
The Quekett hopes to have a stand at this free exhibition as part of our outreach programme, but we need volunteers for our stand.

Saturday 8^th November 2025 – 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. – .
Committee Meeting

Tuesday 11^th November 2025 – 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. – only.
The M. C. Cooke Lecture
“T. H. Huxley” given by Ann Barrett, Archivist, Imperial College, London.

Saturday 15^th November 2025 – 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. – Crowfield
Anglian Microscopy Group
Fibres and Fabrics
Village Hall, Stone Street, Crowfield, Suffolk, IP6 9SZ.
Contact Gordon Brown for further information.

Other Clubs & Societies

• • • • Saturday 1^st November – IMSG
      • Monday 3^rd November – LMS
      • Tuesday 4^th November – NNHS
      • Friday 7^th November – NNHS/U3a
      • Saturday 15^th November – KMS
      • Monday 17^th November – LMS
      • Tuesday 18^th November – NNHS

 

December 2025

Tuesday 2^nd December 2025 – 6.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. – only.
Gossip Meeting
Topic tbc

Saturday 13^nd December 2025 – 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. – only.
Lecture and The Christmas Quiz

Saturday 20^th December 2025 – 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. – Crowfield
Anglian Microscopy Group
Gemstones under the microscope
Village Hall, Stone Street, Crowfield, Suffolk, IP6 9SZ.
Contact Gordon Brown for further information.

Other Clubs & Societies

• • • • Tuesday 2nd December – NNHS
      • Friday 5^th December – NNHS/U3a
      • Saturday 6^th December – IMSG
      • Monday 8^th December – LMS
      • Tuesday 16^th December – NNHS
      • Saturday 20^th December – KMS

 

Notes

Please note that for evening meetings at the Natural History Museum you need to be in the Museum by 5:30 p.m. to alleviate the problems due to the Museum’s security arrangements.

This page is dynamic, and kept up to date with alterations and additions to the programme. Changes may also be announced on the What’s new? page and on social media.

For any enquiries regarding Quekett events in this programme, please contact the Meetings Secretary.

Events shown indented and in italics are not arranged by the Quekett, although we will be represented at some of these events. Any enquiries should be directed to the local organiser.

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